As the Pittsburgh Steelers have been entered into a pursuit for Aaron Rodgers, it has raised all sorts of questions among the fan base. One angle that hasn’t been talked about much is how the Steelers’ legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger feels about all of this. Roethlisberger, who was a cornerstone of the franchise for nearly two decades, now watches from the sidelines as his former team aggressively chases a 41-year-old quarterback. At 43, Roethlisberger has admitted he’s no longer physically capable of playing, but the symbolism of the move is hard to ignore.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
One Steelers fan recently raised the question of whether Roethlisberger feels slighted by the organization’s pursuit of Rodgers. They pointed out that the team essentially forced him into retirement when his performance started to decline, yet they are now willing to take a chance on a quarterback coming off a torn Achilles. The fan questioned whether Roethlisberger feels respected or if this move is a slap in the face to a two-time Super Bowl champion who gave everything to the franchise.
Steelers insider Gerry Dulac was asked directly about the situation, and his response was both telling and thought-provoking. While he didn’t outright say that Roethlisberger feels disrespected, he acknowledged that it wouldn’t be surprising if there were some lingering feelings about how his departure was handled. The controversy isn’t just about signing Rodgers—it’s about how the Steelers treat their legends and whether ownership or the coaching staff truly considers the emotional weight of their decisions.
"Sadly, they don't," Dulac replied to the fan.
What makes this situation even more fascinating is that the Steelers may only be in this quarterback dilemma because they respected Roethlisberger’s feelings too much during the final years of his career. Unlike teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers—who made bold, emotionless moves by drafting Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love while still having capable veteran starters—the Steelers hesitated.
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Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger looks on while quarterback Mason Rudolph throws the football during practice.
Their attempt to find an heir in Mason Rudolph was half-hearted at best, and even that move was seen as controversial and possibly upsetting to Roethlisberger. That’s why it’s hard to be truly upset with how the Steelers are approaching the Rodgers situation. They treated Roethlisberger with loyalty and respect while he was on the roster. But now that he’s retired, the focus has rightfully shifted to winning. The Steelers can’t afford to let anyone’s feelings—including one of their greatest quarterback's ever—get in the way of competing for a Super Bowl in 2025.
While Roethlisberger’s legacy is firmly cemented and respected by fans and many within the organization, Dulac doesn’t believe Art Rooney II or Mike Tomlin are losing sleep over how he feels now. The sentiment seems to be that Roethlisberger had his time, and while his contributions are appreciated, the franchise has to make decisions based on winning—not nostalgia. Respect doesn’t always equate to deference, especially in a results-driven league.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Has Handled The Aaron Rodgers Saga Like A Pro
And the reality is, they may not need to care. Roethlisberger has played his seasons, earned his honors, and is now a part of Steelers history. However, that history doesn’t prevent the team from doing what they believe gives them the best shot at a Super Bowl. Right now, they view Rodgers as that opportunity and are clearly willing to go all in—regardless of how anyone, including a two-time Super Bowl champion, might feel. To his credit, Roethlisberger has handled the situation with professionalism, even voicing support for the potential move publicly.
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Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger waves to fans as he walks off the Kansas City Chiefs home turf.
It would be easy for Roethlisberger to come out and criticize the organization for going all-in on a 41-year-old quarterback. Instead, he’s handled the situation with class, offering his thoughts in a positive and respectful manner. It’s been refreshing to see him openly discuss the Steelers’ quarterback situation, even as many fans still wish he were under center. But that chapter is closed, and now the Steelers will continue their search for the next true franchise quarterback.
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